AN ARMED robber who targets bakeries is being hunted by police after committing his sixth raid.

The hammer-wielding thug, who wears a high visibility jacket and sunglasses, struck at Waterfields stores in Clock Face, Sutton, Whiston,St Helens, Rainhill and Allerton in the past month.

No-one has been hurt in any of the six incidents, but staff have been left shaken and varying amounts of cash stolen from tills and safes.

The most recent robbery happened just before 8am yesterday at the Waterfields bakery in Higher Parr St, St Helens.

A white man aged in his 20s, armed with a hammer and wearing a heavy duty high-visibility jacket, a baseball cap, and white trainers threatened two staff members and a delivery man.

He demanded that they open the safe and then locked them in a back room before fleeing the scene in a dark grey or blue-coloured Vauxhall Astra.

Detective Sergeant Lee Stinchcombe, from St Helens CID, said: "Finding this car could be crucial in us identifying and catching this offender.

“Although we are keeping an open mind, we believe it is likely that it is the same man who is responsible for these six robberies, and it is important we stop him.

"Although he has not hurt anyone so far, he has used a hammer to intimidate people who are just going about their business to hand over cash and clearly that is not something that we will tolerate.

"His clothing is extremely distinctive, especially the luminous yellow jacket and aviator shades, so I would appeal for people to cast their minds back if they were in the area at the time of these robberies and tell us if they saw something significant.

"We believe he is using the Astra to leave the area following a robbery and driving it on false plates.

“I would appeal for anyone who recognises this car or has seen one like it being driven suspiciously where they live to call us.

"He has committed up to six armed robberies against innocent people and businesses in four weeks and extensive efforts are being made to bring him to justice.

“The public's help could be vital in us catching him."

The robber is white, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft 2ins tall, of thin build with a Liverpool accent.

He uses either a balaclava or a scarf and hood to cover his face as well as sunglasses.

Anyone with information is asked to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6078 or 777 6042 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.